AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch: France confirmed its first Ebola case after a doctor returned from Congo, with the patient in isolation and authorities tracing contacts as the outbreak in Congo and Uganda tops 1,000 cases and 254 deaths. Energy & Investment: Congo is pitching faster reserve-to-project delivery—LNG growth, upstream output targets, and local-content reforms—to position itself as a more bankable hydrocarbon market ahead of CEIF 2027. Oil Market Pressure: Global crude cargoes are trading at discounts as Middle East supply ramps up after a U.S.-Iran interim deal eased shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, weighing on Brent and WTI. Governance & Security: Five officers and an informer in South Africa were sentenced over a robbery/kidnapping scheme targeting foreign nationals, including Congolese victims. Conservation & Jobs: French firm aDryada signed to restore 120,000 hectares of rainforest in Samar, using carbon and community-linked restoration to fund conservation and create rural livelihoods. Digital Economy: A GSMA report says digital reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion for Republic of Congo by 2030.

Energy & Investment: Congo is pitching itself as a fast-moving hydrocarbon destination, with LNG exports set to triple and new local-content push under the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, as projects shift from “frontier” to bankable delivery ahead of CEIF 2027. Digital Economy: A GSMA report says targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion in value for the Republic of Congo by 2030, create 144,000+ jobs, and expand mobile internet access—despite 86% 4G coverage but only 19% mobile internet use. Fisheries Governance: Fifteen countries backed the Mombasa Declaration to boost fisheries transparency and fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Republic of Congo among the signatories. Health Security: Ebola remains a major concern after a first case was detected in France in a doctor returning from Congo, while Congo and Uganda report hundreds of cases and deaths, highlighting gaps in tracing, labs, and access to tools for this strain. Environment & Carbon Finance: French firm aDryada and the Philippines’ DENR signed an agreement to restore 120,000 hectares of rainforest in Samar—an example of how carbon-backed restoration models are spreading through the Congo Basin region.

Congo Energy Investment Push: The Republic of Congo is pitching itself as a fast-moving hydrocarbon destination, with LNG exports set to triple to 3 mtpa, upstream output targeting 500,000 bpd, and renewed local-content focus under new Hydrocarbons Minister Stev Simplice Onanga—aiming to turn reserves into bankable projects ahead of CEIF 2027. Digital Economy Boost: A GSMA report says targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion in added value, create 144,000+ jobs, and extend mobile internet access to 540,000+ more people by 2030, despite 4G coverage reaching 86% while only 19% actually use mobile internet. Fisheries Integrity: Fifteen countries backed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Republic of the Congo among the African signatories. Hydrocarbon Market Pressure: Global crude cargoes are trading at discounts as Middle East supply ramps up, with Iran poised to boost exports after a temporary US sanctions reprieve—shifting prompt demand and pricing benchmarks.

Digital Economy Push: A new GSMA report says targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion in extra value for the Republic of Congo by 2030, create 144,000+ jobs, and connect 540,000+ more people to mobile internet—despite 86% 4G coverage and a big usage gap (only 19% use mobile internet). Fisheries Cooperation: Fifteen countries signed the Mombasa Declaration to share fisheries data and fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; Congo is among the African signatories. Ebola Response Pressure: Kenya ordered a halt to construction of an Ebola quarantine center for Americans after court action and local protests—highlighting how health infrastructure and governance disputes can stall outbreak readiness. Oil Sector Signals for the Region: Angola’s Azule Energy and partners approved the $5.1 billion Greater PAJ offshore project (Lower Congo Basin), with first production expected in 2029—an investment that could reshape regional supply chains and jobs. Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie received credentials from 11 newly appointed ambassadors, including Congo’s.

Fisheries Transparency Push: Fifteen countries adopted the Mombasa Declaration to boost fisheries data sharing and crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with Republic of Congo among the African signatories. Digital Economy Boost: A new GSMA report says targeted policy and regulatory reforms could unlock FCFA 870 billion in extra value for the Republic of Congo by 2030, create 144,000+ jobs, and expand mobile internet access—despite 4G coverage reaching 86% while only 19% use mobile internet. Ebola Funding Pressure: Africa CDC urged Congo and Uganda to increase domestic funding for the Ebola response and vaccine push, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as cases rise. Agribusiness Cost Headwind: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices fell sharply, with cocoa driving a broader drop in agricultural export prices—an immediate pressure point for Congo’s regional farm-linked trade. Energy Investment Watch: Azule Energy approved a $5.1 billion Greater PAJ offshore oil project in Angola, a development that matters for the wider Congo Basin energy corridor and regional supply chains.

Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC says Congo and Uganda must boost funding for the Ebola response and vaccine push, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as the outbreak grows (200+ deaths, 894 confirmed cases, likely higher). Agribusiness & Trade: CEMAC data show cocoa prices fell 24.6% in the first quarter of 2026, dragging agricultural export prices across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and others, while the International Cocoa Organisation expects a surplus later. Cocoa Supply Chain: The same CEMAC report points to shifting global supply conditions, with Ecuador’s rising production seen as a key factor in the next cocoa cycle. Energy Investment Watch: Azule Energy approved a $5.1b Greater PAJ offshore oil project in Angola’s Lower Congo Basin, using a new FPSO and targeting first oil in early 2029—another sign of continued regional upstream momentum. Green Industry Finance: A Ghana envoy warned Africa’s $1.3trn annual development financing gap threatens green industrialisation, calling for stronger public-private financing tools and accountable institutions. Local Leadership & Agriculture: Lasu community leaders were sworn in pledging unity and development, with a focus on youth jobs and boosting food production through agriculture support.

Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC says Congo and Uganda must boost funding for the Ebola response and vaccine development, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as the outbreak tops 894 confirmed cases and 200+ deaths. Agribusiness & Exports: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices in the Republic of Congo and neighbors fell 24.6% in early 2026, dragging overall agricultural export prices down 21.8%—with analysts pointing to shifting global supply conditions. Marine Economy: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa produced the Mombasa Declaration, including commitments to modernize vessel registries and improve monitoring and data sharing; the Republic of Congo is among signatories. Oil & Infrastructure Diplomacy: A Russian delegation in Brazzaville presented the Order of Friendship to Congolese presidential security chief Serge Oboa and to SNPC managing director Maixent Raoul Ominga, tied to a Russia-Congo oil products pipeline linking Pointe-Noire to central regions. Water Security Insight: UNESCO Chair Rock Missamou highlights Africa’s water insecurity scale and the need for better institutions and governance to reduce shortages and support resilience.

Ebola Response Funding: Africa CDC urged Congo and Uganda to boost funding for the Ebola fight and vaccine push, warning the outbreak is the worst at this stage and that Africa can’t keep relying on foreign partners as cases rise and treatment capacity is strained. Agribusiness & Trade: CEMAC data show cocoa prices fell 24.6% in the period reviewed, dragging agricultural export prices—an immediate hit for Congo’s farm-linked export earnings. Agrifood Security: UN food agencies warned acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots, naming Congo among the countries facing rising famine risk as conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks bite. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa produced the Mombasa Declaration, with Congo among signatories pushing for better vessel monitoring and shared data to curb illegal fishing and protect livelihoods. Energy & Industry: A Russian-Congolese awards ceremony in Brazzaville highlighted SNPC’s role in a flagship oil-products pipeline project linking Pointe-Noire to central regions, reinforcing cross-border energy infrastructure momentum. Local Culture & Creative Industry: Topistar Di Congo, rising from the Kyaka refugee settlement, is positioning his TDC Creatives label for growth in Kampala’s music and arts scene, a reminder of how creative production can become an industry pathway.

Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC says Congo and Uganda must boost funding for the Ebola response and vaccine development, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as the outbreak has killed 200+ people out of 894 confirmed cases. Agribusiness & Exports: CEMAC data show cocoa prices fell 24.6% in the first quarter of 2026, dragging agricultural export prices across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and others, while the International Cocoa Organisation expects a surplus later in the 2025/2026 season. Fisheries Transparency: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa produced the Mombasa Declaration, with Congo among signatories, aiming to curb illegal fishing by improving vessel monitoring and shared data. Energy & Industry Decarbonisation: Shell and St. Paul’s Hospital announced adoption of Renewable Diesel Blend R33 for boiler use, cutting lifecycle CO2e emissions up to 30%—a signal for lower-carbon fuel uptake in regional services. Security & State Industry Link: A Russian delegation presented the Order of Friendship in Brazzaville, including to SNPC’s managing director tied to a Russia-Congo oil products pipeline project connecting Pointe-Noire to central regions.

Ebola Response Funding: Africa CDC urged Congo and Uganda to boost funding for the Ebola fight and vaccine development, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as the outbreak has already killed 200+ people and cases may be higher than confirmed. Agribusiness & Trade: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices fell 24.6% in the first quarter of 2026, dragging down agricultural export prices across Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and others, with analysts pointing to shifting global supply conditions. Ocean Economy & Fisheries: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa produced the Mombasa Declaration, with Congo among signatories, pushing for better vessel registry modernization, shared data, and stronger action against illegal fishing. Energy & Industry Links: A Russian delegation in Brazzaville presented the Order of Friendship to Congolese presidential security officials and to SNPC’s managing director, tied to a Russian-Congolese oil products pipeline connecting Pointe-Noire to central regions. Public Health Watch: UN food agencies warned acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots, including Congo, as conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks drive famine risk.

Ebola Funding Push: Africa CDC urged Congo and Uganda to boost financing for the Ebola response and vaccine development, warning the continent can’t keep relying on foreign partners as the outbreak has killed 200+ people out of 894 confirmed cases and may be undercounted. Agribusiness & Trade: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices slid 24.6% in the first quarter of 2026, dragging down overall agricultural export prices by 21.8%, with analysts pointing to shifting global supply conditions. Blue Economy & Fisheries: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa produced the Mombasa Declaration, with Congo among signatories, aiming to improve fisheries transparency and share vessel data to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Energy & Industry Links: A Brazzaville ceremony saw Russia’s Order of Friendship awarded to Congolese presidential security chief Serge Oboa and to SNPC managing director Maixent Raoul Ominga, tied to a Russian-Congolese oil products pipeline project from Pointe-Noire to central regions. Public Health Watch: WHO-linked reporting said 75 Ebola medical workers in Congo have contracted the virus, with 17 deaths.

Agribusiness & Trade: CEMAC’s central bank reports cocoa export prices slid 24.6% in early 2026, driving a broader agricultural export price drop of 21.8% between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026; coffee also fell, though less (down 4.5%). Public Health & Preparedness: Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying it will be under Kenyan jurisdiction and used for Kenyans as well as regional partners, with U.S. support limited to logistics and staff. Food Security: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, citing conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks; Congo is listed among the countries at risk. Fisheries & Maritime Governance: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, 15 countries signed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and share vessel data to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Republic of the Congo among signatories.

Food Security Watch: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, citing conflict, funding cuts (down about 59% since 2022) and climate shocks, with Congo listed among the countries at risk. Fisheries Transparency: Fifteen countries signed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, including the Republic of Congo, pledging to share data on fishing vessels to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Local Industry & Trade: Liberia hands over 3,600 metric tons of Chinese-donated rice to stabilize its market, highlighting how staple imports and shipping disruptions can quickly hit consumers. Health & Response: Egypt says it has provided Congo and Uganda with Ebola support, including medicines and thousands of doses of locally manufactured Remdesivir. Connectivity & Consumer Services: MTN Nigeria restores its XtraTime airtime advance service after a regulatory suspension, easing pressure on subscribers who rely on airtime loans. Skills & Women’s Empowerment: Gonet Academy names Liberia’s Gender Minister Horace-Kollie as guest speaker for Cohort 14 graduation, with women making up over 58% of graduates. Sports Economy (Indirect): World Cup crowds are boosting hospitality demand in Boston, with breweries reporting major spikes in sales and emergency restocking.

Hunger Watch: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen across 13 hotspots between June and November 2026, with about 266 million people already facing high acute food insecurity; conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks are the main drivers, and Congo is listed among the hotspots. Fisheries Transparency Push: Fifteen countries signed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, including the Republic of Congo, pledging to share data on fishing vessel movement, activity and ownership to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Ebola Response & Travel: The G7 says it will step up coordination to contain Congo’s Ebola outbreak, citing increased global travel tied to the World Cup and calling for harmonized travel, quarantine and isolation procedures. Ocean Governance in Practice: The Our Ocean Conference also highlighted commitments to modernize vessel registries and improve monitoring and data sharing with FAO, with Congo among signatories. Energy & Industry Note: A separate report on China’s Belt and Road energy push points to growing oil-and-gas deal value and more engineering-led contracting models, including in Congo.

Ebola Response in Congo: Congo’s health ministry reports a sharp jump of 72 new Ebola cases in 24 hours, bringing total infections to 782 and deaths to 181, with officials pointing to faster case detection even as contact-tracing coverage slips to 56%. Regional Finance for Development: The Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC) is moving toward international capital markets, seeking a first Eurobond or private placement after securing a Ba3 foreign-currency rating, following its growing role as a top bond issuer on Brazzaville’s BVMAC. Food Security Pressure: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen across 13 hot spots between June and November 2026, citing conflict, funding cuts and climate shocks; Congo is listed among the countries facing rising famine risk. Energy & Industry Decarbonisation: Shell and St. Paul’s Hospital in Hong Kong kick off an integrated decarbonisation plan using renewable diesel blend R33 and EV charging—an example of how low-carbon fuel and mobility upgrades are being operationalized in institutional settings. Trade & Agriculture Inputs: A report says African countries imported 1.163 million tonnes of chicken meat from Brazil in 2025, up 20.3%, underscoring continued reliance on imported protein for food supply chains.

Ebola Surge in Congo: Congo’s health ministry reports 72 new Ebola cases in 24 hours, taking the total to 782, with 181 deaths; officials cite faster detection and warn contact tracing coverage has slipped to 56%. Health Cooperation: Egypt says it has rapidly supported Congo and Uganda with medicines, preventive supplies and thousands of doses of locally made Remdesivir. Travel and Disease Control: The G7 says it will boost coordination on Ebola prevention as World Cup travel ramps up, pushing harmonized quarantine and isolation steps. Regional Finance: BDEAC is moving toward international capital markets to diversify funding, after building a strong record on CEMAC’s bond market. Trade and Industry: Cameroon and the UK move to deepen business ties after talks focused on investment, enterprise partnerships and jobs. Food Security: Governments intensify rice market stabilization after the arrival of 3,600mt of Chinese-donated rice. Design and Culture with Business Angle: A Congolese designer in Paris says he’s already fielded global demand for the leopard outfits worn by Congo’s World Cup team.